Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 20th G20 Summit. He started his visit by holding a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Both leaders reviewed the India-Australia partnership and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in defence, security, trade, and technology.
During the meeting, Albanese said, "Can I begin that by expressing my condolences to the people of India for firstly the terrorist attack at the airport and our explosion, but also for the bus crash in Saudi Arabia that led to a loss of human lives". His remarks highlighted Australia’s support during recent tragedies involving Indian citizens.
PM Modi posted on X sharing his moments with PM Albanese, "Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, the strategic partnership between our nations completes 5 years and these years have witnessed transformative outcomes that have deepened our cooperation. During our talks today, emphasised three key sectors, defence and security, nuclear energy and trade, where there is immense potential for ties to grow further. The other sectors discussed included education, cultural exchanges and more."
Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, the strategic partnership between our nations completes 5 years and these years have witnessed transformative outcomes that have deepened our cooperation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
During our talks today, emphasised three key sectors,… pic.twitter.com/SjPixu4iek
Warm Welcome in Johannesburg
Earlier, PM Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Friday and received a ceremonial welcome. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa's Minister in the Presidency, welcomed him at the airport. A cultural group performed traditional dances and songs to greet him.
Soon after landing, the prime minister posted on social media, “Landed in Johannesburg for the G20 Summit related engagements. Look forward to productive discussions with world leaders on key global issues."
Landed in Johannesburg for the G20 Summit related engagements. Look forward to productive discussions with world leaders on key global issues. Our focus will be on strengthening cooperation, advancing development priorities and ensuring a better future for all. pic.twitter.com/o4KL5W5l53
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
What is in PM Modi’s Agenda?
The G20 Summit is being hosted in Africa for the first time. This makes the event significant, especially after the African Union joined the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote that the discussions will focus on “strengthening cooperation, advancing development priorities and ensuring a better future for all”. He is expected to speak in all three sessions of the summit, which will cover:
Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth
These discussions will focus on leaving no one behind, boosting trade, financing development, and tackling the debt burden. Leaders will talk about disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transitions, and food systems.
A Fair and Just Future for All
This session will highlight critical minerals, decent work opportunities, and the role of artificial intelligence.
Bilateral Meetings and Global Agenda
PM Modi will also hold talks with South African leadership to deepen strategic and economic ties. He is expected to highlight India’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
Apart from the G20, he will attend the sixth Summit of IBSA , the trilateral group of India, Brazil, and South Africa.
He also expressed his excitement to meet the Indian diaspora in South Africa, which is one of the largest Indian-origin communities outside India.